Ready to Hire a Postpartum Nanny?
This checklist is informational. If you’re ready to start interviews and secure dates, use our transactional page:
- Hire a Postpartum Nanny (Start Here) — process, screening, timeline, and what happens after you apply
- Chinese Postpartum Nanny (Yue Sao) Pillar — roles, meals, overnight support, and what to expect
To get started, please fill out our Family Registration Form so we can match you with suitable candidates.
What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Nanny
Hiring a nanny, especially a Chinese postpartum or confinement nanny, is about more than basic babysitting. It’s about newborn safety, maternal recovery, and round-the-clock support.
- Chinese postpartum nannies (Yue Sao) support both baby and mom with 24/7 care and traditional recovery practices.
- Postpartum meals and healing soups are often included in higher-level packages and accelerate recovery.
- Night and confinement nannies protect parents from sleep deprivation by handling overnight feeds, soothing, and tracking routines.
- Experience and personality fit matter more than certificates — look for calm, proven newborn specialists.
- Booking 3–6 months in advance is recommended, especially for due dates, twin care, or specific language needs.
For pre-screened Chinese postpartum and confinement nannies,
start with our Family Registration Form.
Prefer a step-by-step hiring path? Start here:
Hire a Postpartum Nanny
or learn the full overview here:
Chinese Postpartum Nanny (Yue Sao).
15 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Hiring a Nanny (Especially a Chinese Postpartum Nanny)
Choosing the right nanny is one of the most important decisions new parents make. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, exploring Chinese postpartum care, or searching for a reliable full-time nanny, this guide covers the
15 essential things every parent should know — especially if you’re considering an Asian or Chinese postpartum nanny (“Yue Sao”).
This list is created by My Asian Nanny, a trusted nationwide referral agency specializing in newborn care and postpartum recovery support.
Helpful next steps:
Hire a Postpartum Nanny ·
Postpartum Nanny Costs ·
Cost Calculator
1. A Chinese Postpartum Nanny Is Not Just a Babysitter — She’s a Full Recovery System
A Chinese postpartum nanny (月嫂 / Yue Sao) is much more than a babysitter. She is trained to support:
- Newborn care (feeding, burping, changing, soothing)
- Maternal recovery and rest
- Postpartum meals and herbal soups
- Household balance during the confinement period
She helps implement traditional postpartum healing (坐月子), customized nutrition, and 24/7 infant care so both mom and baby can recover safely.
Key takeaway: A postpartum nanny supports both mother and baby during the first 30–60 days after birth.
2. Postpartum Recovery Meals Are a Core Part of the Service
Many families don’t realize that postpartum meals may be optional or included, depending on the package you choose. When meals are included, a confinement nanny may:
- Cook 3 healing meals daily for the mother
- Prepare herbal soups, teas, and nourishing snacks
- Avoid cold/raw foods according to traditional Chinese medicine principles
- Follow East Asian nourishment philosophy to support recovery and milk supply
If cooking is included, expect a higher daily rate — but also a smoother and faster postpartum recovery.
Want Help Comparing “Meals Included” vs “Baby Care Only”?
Start with the hire page for the fastest next step, then review the pillar for deeper details.
- Hire a Postpartum Nanny (transactional)
- Chinese Postpartum Nanny Pillar (overview + expectations)
- Postpartum Nanny Costs (budget planning)
To get started, please fill out our Family Registration Form.
3. Nighttime Care Is the #1 Support New Parents Didn’t Know They Needed
Sleep deprivation is one of the toughest parts of early parenthood. A night nanny or live-in confinement nanny can:
- Handle night feeds (or bring the baby to you if you’re breastfeeding)
- Burp, swaddle, and soothe the baby back to sleep
- Change diapers and track overnight patterns
- Monitor the baby’s cues while parents get uninterrupted rest
Parents who receive consistent night support often report better mood, increased milk supply, faster healing, and more patience during the day.
4. Confinement Nannies Manage the Entire 24-Hour Newborn Cycle
Compared to many Western “night nurse” arrangements, a traditional confinement nanny is usually:
- Live-in for the entire booking period
- Available 24/7 for baby and mother
- Responsible for both practical care and emotional support
- Focused on building healthy routines for sleep, feeding, and recovery
This level of support is intensive, which is why early booking is essential for high-demand nannies.
5. Experience Matters More Than Certifications
Parents often ask about certifications, but in the nanny and postpartum world, hands-on experience is usually more important than any online course. Strong candidates typically have:
- Many years of experience across multiple families
- Extensive newborn and postpartum care history
- Proven ability to cook postpartum meals (if included)
- Experience with twins or premature babies (where needed)
- A calm, patient temperament under stress
A reputable agency like My Asian Nanny pre-screens for these qualities before presenting candidates to your family.
6. The Best Nannies Book 3–6 Months in Advance
High-demand nannies are often reserved well before a baby’s due date, especially if they are:
- Chinese postpartum nannies with cooking skills
- Twin-care specialists
- Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, or English as needed
- Experienced with live-in 24/7 newborn care
If your due date is fixed, it’s wise to start your search as early as possible to secure a strong match.
7. Twin Families Require a Different Level of Expertise
Caring for twins is not just “double the work.” It requires:
- Strategic scheduling and synchronized feeding plans
- Coordinated soothing and sleep routines
- Quick, confident handling of two babies at once
- Stronger physical stamina and emotional resilience
For twins, we strongly recommend a nanny with specific twin-care experience and a higher level of postpartum expertise.
8. A Postpartum Nanny Should Not Be Expected to Care for Older Children Full-Time
A postpartum nanny or confinement nanny’s primary responsibility is:
- Newborn care (feeding, soothing, monitoring)
- Maternal recovery support
- Baby-related tasks such as laundry, bottle sterilization, and room tidiness
If you have toddlers or school-aged children, you may need:
- A separate nanny for the older child(ren)
- Part-time help for pickups, drop-offs, and activities
- Support from family members or trusted caregivers
This ensures that your newborn receives focused attention and that your postpartum nanny can safely manage her core responsibilities without burnout.
9. Live-In Nannies Need Proper Sleeping Arrangements
Because confinement nannies often work overnight and respond to the baby throughout the night, it’s important to provide:
- A clean, comfortable place to sleep
- Access to a bathroom and shower
- Access to the kitchen for meal preparation
- Reasonable privacy when they are off-duty or resting
Good living conditions help your nanny stay rested, focused, and emotionally present for your family.
10. Transportation Costs Are Usually the Client’s Responsibility
For out-of-area placements or out-of-state families, it is standard in the industry for parents to cover:
- Airfare or long-distance transportation to and from your home
- Local transportation or transfers when necessary
- The nanny’s travel day as a paid working day
This creates a clear, fair arrangement and makes it possible for highly experienced nannies to travel to where they are most needed.
11. A Postpartum Nanny Typically Gets Around 3 Hours of Rest During the Day
Most live-in postpartum arrangements build in approximately 3 hours of rest during the daytime. This rest is:
- Crucial for safety during overnight baby care
- Necessary for physical and emotional stamina
- Part of a sustainable 24/7 care plan
This is not “vacation time,” but a structured rest period that enables your nanny to provide reliable, high-quality overnight support.
12. A 30–45 Day Booking Is Standard — But 60 Days Offers the Best Results
While every family is different, we commonly see:
- 30 days: foundational recovery, basic routines established
- 45 days: more complete recovery and confidence in baby care
- 60+ days: stronger healing, stable sleep patterns, and smoother transition to independent parenting
Longer bookings allow your nanny to guide you through the entire early postpartum journey, from the first nights home to a predictable daily rhythm.
13. Chinese Nannies Are Often Skilled in Postpartum Wellness Techniques
Depending on her background and training, a Chinese confinement nanny may also offer:
- Gentle postpartum exercises and stretching
- Abdominal or belly binding support (where appropriate)
- Guidance on breastfeeding positions and latch comfort
- Warm foot baths or herbal teas to support circulation and healing
Not all nannies provide every wellness service, so it is important to ask about these offerings during your interviews.
14. Communication Style Matters Just as Much as Skill
The best nanny for your family is not only skilled, but also a good personality fit. Consider:
- Language preferences (Mandarin, Cantonese, English, or bilingual)
- Communication style (gentle, direct, talkative, reserved)
- Openness to your parenting style and household rules
- Ability to explain traditional practices in a way you’re comfortable with
A respectful, communicative relationship creates a calm environment for both baby and parents.
15. A Trusted Referral Agency Saves You Weeks of Screening
Instead of searching alone, a specialized agency like My Asian Nanny can help you:
- Quickly identify experienced Chinese postpartum and confinement nannies
- Review pre-screened profiles tailored to your due date and needs
- Schedule interviews and handle language or cultural nuances
- Move from “overwhelmed” to “supported” in a matter of days
Our goal is to connect your family with a nanny who feels like the right fit — professionally, personally, and culturally.
If You’re Ready to Hire, This Is the Fastest Path
Skip the guesswork and start with the transactional hiring page:
- Hire a Postpartum Nanny (process + screening + what happens after your form)
- Cost Calculator (quick estimate)
- Postpartum Nanny Costs (full breakdown)
To get started, please fill out our Family Registration Form.
Ready to Find the Right Nanny for Your Family?
If you’re expecting a baby or planning ahead for postpartum support, we can help you explore options for:
- Chinese postpartum nannies (Yue Sao)
- Live-in confinement nannies
- Night nannies and newborn care specialists
- Mandarin or Cantonese-speaking nannies
To get started, please fill out our
Family Registration Form
so we can learn more about your specific needs and begin the search for suitable candidates.
Postpartum Nanny vs Confinement Nanny vs Night Nanny
Not sure which type of nanny is right for your family? Use this comparison table to understand the differences between a postpartum nanny, a confinement nanny, and a night nanny.
| Type of Nanny | Primary Focus | Schedule | Live-In? | Meals for Mom? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postpartum Nanny | Newborn care and basic support for mom | Daytime or flexible shifts | Sometimes (varies by family) | Usually not included | Families needing newborn help but not full confinement care |
| Chinese Confinement Nanny (Yue Sao) | 24/7 baby care, maternal recovery, and traditional confinement support | Live-in, 24 hours a day for 30–60+ days | Yes | Often includes 3 meals, soups, and teas daily | Families wanting full postpartum recovery, traditional Chinese care, and structured support |
| Night Nanny | Overnight newborn care and protecting parents’ sleep | Night shifts only (e.g., 10pm–6am) | No | No, focused on nighttime baby care | Parents who can manage daytime but need help staying rested at night |
Not Sure Which Type You Need?
Start with our hiring page and we’ll guide you based on your due date, preferences, and support goals.
To get started, please fill out our Family Registration Form.
If you’re unsure which option fits your situation, we can walk you through the differences and match you with experienced caregivers who fit your preferences and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Postpartum or Chinese Confinement Nanny
Want a Faster, Step-by-Step Hiring Path?
This is a checklist. If you want the transactional “how to hire” flow with screening + timeline, go here:
To get started, please fill out our Family Registration Form.
1. What does a Chinese postpartum nanny (Yue Sao) do?
A Chinese postpartum nanny provides 24/7 newborn care and supports the mother’s physical and emotional recovery after birth.
Duties often include newborn feeding, burping, diapering, soothing, sleep tracking, meal preparation for the mother, herbal soups, and creating a calm and structured postpartum environment. Many also guide breastfeeding, belly binding, and traditional Chinese postpartum recovery practices.
2. How long should I hire a confinement nanny for?
Most families hire a confinement nanny for 30 to 60 days.
A 30-day booking covers the early newborn period, while 45–60+ days provide complete postpartum recovery, sleep routine stabilization, and smoother transition to independent parenting. Longer bookings lead to better maternal healing and more predictable infant routines.
3. Do postpartum nannies also cook postpartum meals?
Yes — if you choose a meals-included package.
Many Chinese postpartum nannies prepare three daily healing meals, herbal soups, teas, and snacks based on East Asian postpartum nutrition philosophy. Families who want nourishment support should book a nanny experienced in confinement cooking.
4. What is the difference between a night nanny and a confinement nanny?
A night nanny works only overnight, while a confinement nanny provides 24/7 live-in care for both mother and baby.
Confinement nannies assist with newborn care, maternal recovery, postpartum nutrition, emotional support, routines, and education. Night nannies primarily handle nighttime feedings, diapering, soothing, and sleep training support.
5. Do postpartum nannies take care of older children?
No. A postpartum nanny focuses exclusively on newborn care and maternal recovery.
Families with toddlers or older children may need a separate nanny or helper. This ensures newborn safety and prevents caregiver burnout during the intense first month of postpartum care.
6. Are live-in Chinese postpartum nannies available nationwide?
Yes — My Asian Nanny offers nationwide placement for live-in confinement nannies.
Many nannies can travel to your city or state if parents cover transportation costs and proper living arrangements. Travel days are counted as paid working days, which is an industry standard.
7. How far in advance should I book a confinement nanny?
It’s best to book 3–6 months before your due date.
Experienced postpartum nannies — especially those who cook meals, speak Mandarin or Cantonese, or specialize in twins — fill their schedules early. Booking earlier guarantees stronger candidates and smoother planning.
8. What qualifications should I look for when hiring a nanny?
Look for experience, not certificates.
Years of hands-on newborn care, cooking skill level, twin experience, communication ability, personality fit, and positive family recommendations matter far more than formal certifications. A reputable agency pre-screens these qualities for you.
9. How much does a postpartum or confinement nanny cost?
Rates typically range from $260–$390 per day depending on services, meals, and experience.
Factors include whether postpartum meals are included, the nanny’s experience level, twin care needs, travel distance, and specific language requirements. For accurate pricing, contact My Asian Nanny with your due date and location.
10. What do I need to provide for a live-in nanny?
Families must provide safe, clean sleeping space and access to a bathroom and kitchen.
A private room is ideal to ensure the nanny can rest during scheduled downtime. Providing proper living arrangements results in better energy, better focus, and higher quality newborn care.
If you’re ready to explore nanny options or book your dates, please start here:
Hire a Postpartum Nanny.
To get started, please fill out our
Family Registration Form.
